How to Crochet Dimensional Eyes for Your Amigurumi
By Caissa "Cami" McClinton – 12 CommentsI got the idea for this tutorial because I decided to participate in a “Monster Swap” with my local stitching group. I used a really cute pattern that called for “safety eyes.” To be honest, I’ve never used safety eyes, I didn’t know where to buy them, and frankly, I didn’t have time to buy them either.
This is a picture of all of our amigurumi creations together!
Since I wanted the eyes to be dimensional, meaning rounded and not flat, I devised this pattern which I’m glad to share with you. To make the eyes for my monster (as seen in the picture), I used a 2.5 mm crochet hook and black crochet thread. The resulting eyes measured approx. 7/8″ in diameter.
You can kind of see the dimension of the eyes in this photo.
For the purpose of this tutorial, I’ve used two colors of yarn, but for your project, you might want to use only one, depending upon how you would like the final product to look. Yarn and hook size can vary depending upon how big you would like your eyes to be.
You may mouse over images for left-handed views.
Abbreviations:
ch – chain
sc – single crochet
sl st – slip stitch
Foundation: ch 2 Picture below shows that completed.
Round 1: ch 1, 6 sc into second ch from hook. Tip: Crochet over the tail when doing this to secure it. Picture below shows this in process, with 3 sc into the second ch from hook.
Join with sl st to first sc. Picture below shows this done, with a color change in the sl st for demonstration purposes.
Do not turn. Stitch count for this round is 6 sc.
Round 2: ch 1. Picture below shows this done.
Working over sc from previous round, 12 sc into middle of work. Pictures below show this in progress.
Join with sl st to first sc of Round 2. Picture below shows this done.
Final stitch count: 12 sc. Finish off, leaving long tail for sewing. Picture below shows this done.
Don’t forget you can use any size crochet hook and yarn depending on the size of the eye you want. If you need help making your eyes, feel free to leave a comment below!
Perfect!!! I’ve been making some amigurumi lately and was having trouble making the eyes. Thank you so much!!
I’ll have to remember this one. I’ve done flatter crochet eyes for projects going to little little ones, but have a huge stash of safety eyes for when I’m making myself something and feeling lazy.
Great idea. I must confess I love my safety eyes.
Thank you for sharing.
What a great idea!! have tried safety eyes, which go in easily, but when i went back to the project–one was missing!!!! no signs of a struggle, so guess it just fell out!
Can’t wait to try this! Thanks!
Thank you, everyone for your great comments. It’s great to have another option for amigurumi eyes & I’m glad you all like the tutorial.
OMG! Cami, there’s my monster!!!! I love Elmer!! And my owl that I made is in the pic. Thanks for the tutorial and shout-out!
For another fabulous way to make eyes with expression and dimension…..sc crochet a flat circle to fit a water bottle cap crochet even to bottom edge then make the inner part by decreasing sts. Sew onto your animal. Also can layer colors as I did my Spongebob hat, White, blue, black in decreasing circles. I used Powerade caps for my frogs stand up eyes with a water bottle cap in the back so it would be rounded!
Great idea for eyes! I’ve used the safety eyes and never had a problem. But sometimes they are a major pain to find and to secure the backs. I have one question about this though – Instead of starting with a ch, can you still do this with an adjustable loop (just don’t pull the center closed too tightly)?
Thanks so much for sharing with all of us.I’m making lovely blankets to give to children that are sick and scared. The paramedics can given them one to comfort them. I don’t know their ages so I must use only crochet parts to prevent choking. So thanks so much for your help. Gloria
Thank you so much for sharing. I do not put little pieces of felt or buttons or anything like that on baby things for fear that they will get swallowed. These eyes will also be perfect for the dolls and giant hand puppets I make,
Thanks so much for the tutorial. These eyes are safe for all ages!
What gauge or thickness of crochet thread do you use as a general rule? #3,#5,or #10?
Thanks!